Hawaii’s Grand Canyon: Waimea Canyon on Kauai

December 22nd, 2009

How can such a small island conceal such a big, beautiful canyon? It would be possible to drive around Kauai on its single highway without running across Waimea Canyon - but that would be a shame. The canyon, with its beautiful colors and striking formations, is part of Kauai’s Kōke‘e upcountry region. Just as beautiful as Arizona’s Grand Canyon, it is smaller and much younger. The ten-mile-long complex of gorges was cut by six million years of stream erosion. The principle gorge is nearly 3,000 feet deep and a mile and a half wide. The beautiful streams cascading down the gorge are fed by the Alaka‘i Swamp - the highest altitude swamp in the world.

A highway runs along side the canyon, allowing several opportunities to pull over and take photos. There are a couple of larger look-out areas with parking and restrooms. However, as all the guide books warn, there are no service stations for gas and limited or no food available. The road is steep in places and winding — no more so than roads up mountains in Colorado or other mainland states, but slightly intimidating to a flat-lander. Rick drove our rental car, pulling over often to let me take photos. Honestly, if he hadn’t been along I might have considered a tour. The buses are even wider than a car and also have to negotiate the tight curves but I don’t have to watch traffic - I can enjoy the view.

If you enjoy hiking, there are many opportunities in and near the canyon. Some trails are easy, others not so much. We got a map and much friendly advice at the Kōke‘e State Park Headquarters. Allow plenty of time if you want to explore - at least a full day. The drive up the canyon is 38 miles from Waimea but it is fairly slow due to the twists, turns and traffic.

Posted by Cindy Scheopner Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner

Entry Filed under: Hawaii Vacation Links, In General, Kauai, Uncategorized

2 Comments Add your own

1. Tom Bollinger | December 27th, 2009 at 10:20 am

we get all our hiking information from the Kauai Trailblazer guide. it has all the good trails in Waimea Canyon, even down to the bottom. the swamp trail is a long one but a must-do for hikers wanting a challenge and dramatic change of topography.
2. Cindy | December 30th, 2009 at 5:12 pm

My friends took the swamp trail; they really enjoyed it. We did a much shorter hike, as we arrived in the afternoon. If we had the entire day, I would have enjoyed a longer hike.

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